What’s On In Newcastle? Josh Pyke, The Fixators & The Hunter Record Fair

by kirsty on March 20, 2014

Thursday 20th March

Neil Finn @ Civic Theatre

There aren’t many artists whose songs and emotive performances have infiltrated the hearts and minds of a generation of Australians in quite the same way as Neil Finn, and in March 2014 Finn will return for a national tour in support of his new album Dizzy Heights.

The Dizzy Heights Tour will follow the February 7 release of Finn’s third solo album - Dizzy Heights - and will give the iconic artist the opportunity to showcase these new songs as part of his already extensive repertoire. Fans can expect to hear new songs like Divebomber and Flying In The Face Of Love interspersed with a catalogue of songs that are now intrinsically part of Australian culture.

“I have a long-lasting and unique connection with Australian audiences and want to make this upcoming tour quite special. It is an exciting prospect as I am appearing under my own name and so am able to bring out a personal selection of the best songs from all the eras of my musical life as well present new songs from the album Dizzy Heights.” - Neil Finn.

Special guest for Finn on all show dates is the uber-talented Utah-based rock and folk singer Joshua James, about to release his first album in Australia From The Top of Willamette Mountain. James’ songs reflect a distinct American ache, while his sweetly hoarse vocal appears tremulously fragile one moment and soulfully-fuelled by a grunge rock drive the next as he escapes the traditional confines of the folk genre.

Tickets: Ticketek

Doors: 8:00PM

Sitkovesky Trio @ Conservatorium Of Music

Since student days at the Menuhin School, the individually acclaimed young artists of the Sitkovetsky Trio have come together for the sheer joy of playing chamber music – a delight which is shared with their audiences! As Alexander Sitkovetsky says of Beethoven’s ‘Archduke’ Trio: “We have so much physical and emotional joy when we play it – everything about the piece takes us to an incredibly happy place.”

Beethoven’s friend and supporter Archduke Rudolf would surely be only a footnote in history without the extraordinary work that now bears his name. Tchaikovsky’s Trio is an elegy for his mentor Nikolai Rubinstein; Smetana’s Trio is also a poignant memorial, said to reflect the sorrowful brevity of his talented little daughter’s short life.

More happily, renowned humanitarian Julian Burnside AO QC continues his visionary support of the arts through a new commission from Musica Viva’s Artistic Director Carl Vine, in honour of Carl’s 60th birthday.

Tickets: Ticketek 

Doors: 7:30PM

Morgan Evans @ Lizottes

Newcastle singer-songwriter and reigning CMC New Oz Artist of the Year Morgan Evans has racked up more career milestones than many performers manage in a lifetime - including award nominations, a #1 single and #1 video, and touring with Taylor Swift, Brooks & Dunn, Thirsty Merc and more. Morgan’s triumphant win at the 2007 Telstra Road to Tamworth Grand Final propelled his already fast-rising career into high gear. He recorded his debut single, Big Skies, in Nashville and released it later that year to great acclaim and success, hitting #1 on the ARIA Country Music Chart, #1 on the National Hot Country Airplay Chart, and #4 on the ARIA Australian Artists Airplay Chart. 2012 saw the release of two acclaimed EPs - his debut Live Each Day and the follow up While We’re Young. Both EPs have yielded hit radio singles and videos.

While We’re Young was recorded in Nashville, produced by ex-pat Jedd Hughes, an acclaimed singer/songwriter and guitarist. All five tracks were written or co-written by Morgan. The title track While We’re Young is an energetic, guitar driven anthem co-written with Jedd & Sarah Buxton, who also co-wrote Keith Urban’s hit Put You In A Song. Sarah’s writing credits also include another Urban smash, Stupid Boy, and Big & Rich’s new single That’s Why I Pray, which has just cracked the top 20 in the US charts. “I played Jedd and Sarah this chorus that I’d written a few months earlier and we all had a great vibe about it. We all related to it, so the verses came really naturally,”says Morgan. “It’s about letting go, living in the moment and making memories NOW that we can look back on with a smile, have a laugh and reminisce. You know? The kind of memories that make us who we are.” “We got so excited about the songs, that soon Jedd had pulled together some of my favourite musicians in the world and we were recording. Their talent and unique approach inspired me to work even harder to get the best out of my voice and my guitar playing. Working with those guys really was a dream come true.” Sweet Home to You is a chilled, groovy road song, while Learn to Lose You showcases Morgan’s soulful vocal as he sings about holding off heartbreak. The hard-driving swamp- rock of Made For Loving You contrasts with the final track, the heartfelt ballad Carry On. In 2013, Morgan was awarded the CMC New Oz Artist of the Year award at the CMC Music Awards. The award was fan voted and solidified his status as one of the hottest young performers in Australian country. His played to massive crowds as special guest on Alan Jackson’s huge arena tour of Australia, wrapping up at the biggest country crowd in Australian history at the Deni Ute Muster. He returned to Nashville to record his debut album with ex-pat Aussie producer Jedd Hughes, which is set for release in March 2014. The first single from the album will be unveiled in January.

Tickets: Lizottes

Friday 21st March

Fun Machine @ The Great Northern

Fun Machine are a confident alt-pop band that play upbeat, energetic music. Accompanied by exciting dance-moves, a skin-heavy dress code and playful antics, the girl and boys are gearing up for their album debut, ‘Bodies On’ by touring the east coast!

Notable successes include playing with Gotye (twice!), Architecture in Helsinki, Salt’n’Pepa, sole supports for The Darkness, GTM festival, Foreshore Festival, Secret Garden Festival, National Folk Festival, etc. They also took out the inaugural MAMA in 2012 for best Pop Artist.

Tickets: At door

Josh Pyke @ The Small Ballroom

Josh Pyke is one of Australia’s premier singer/songwriters. Known for his ability to weave intelligent lyrics with warm melodies and quirky song structures, Pyke is a modern-day storyteller whose unique and evocative use of both words and music places him in a league of his own.

Josh’s breakthrough single was Middle of the Hill, which made it to #19 on triple j’s 2005 Hottest 100 countdown and appeared on his debut release, a mini album entitled Feeding The Wolves.

Josh followed up Feeding The Wolves with the 2007 release of his debut album Memories & Dust , which hit the ARIA chart at #4. The Gold record, hailed a “classic” by The Daily Telegraph and “world-class” by The Age, was acclaimed by critics and fans alike. It took out three ARIA Awards, was nominated for a J Award.

His second album Chimney’s Afire debuted at #3 on the ARIA chart, won an ARIA Award and achieved Gold sales, which was followed by the 2011 release of Josh’s third album, Only Sparrows.

Last July saw the release of Josh’s fourth studio album The Beginning And The End Of Everything; a record that explores ideas of desire, death and legacy. For Josh these are the beginning and the end of all decisions made in his life and, as with previous albums, a record of a period of time in his life. Recorded with John Castle (The Bamboos, Washington and The Drones), Josh regards The Beginning And The End Of Everything as his most personal release to date.

Featuring singles “Leeward Side” and “Warm in Winter”, the album debuted at #7 on the ARIA albums chart, making it the singer’s fourth top-10 ARIA album in a row.

Its release was followed by a national tour, which was extremely well received by audiences around Australia, selling-out venues across every major city.

This February marks the start of Josh’s 11 date national solo tour. Tickets are available now!

Tickets: Kingdom Sounds 

Doors: 8:00PM

Twin Lakes @ The Cambridge Hotel

After a busy start the the year, Newcastle five-piece, Twin Lakes, are back on the road this month to celebrate the release of their follow up second single, ‘The Ageing Field’.

Since their debut single release, ‘Glacier’, mid-last year, the band have been quickly earning a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting new independent acts thanks to their relentless touring, and unique and eerie signature sound.

To celebrate their latest offering and everything that is to come, the band will embark on a 6-date east coast tour in March kicking off in their hometown of Newcastle

Tickets: $8 at door

Doors: 8:00pm

Tea House Tasting @ Newcastle Art Gallery

Presented by Madame Mo’s Dumpling House.

To compliment the tea set pieces on display in BLUE+WHITE, visit the Art Gallery for an authentic tea house experience. Tour the exhibition, and learn about the story of tea, its history, rituals, and nurturing aspects. Enjoy samples of juicy, locally produced dumplings, accompanied by hand rolled tea buds and blooming flower teas.

$20 per person. Limited spaces available.

Bookings required. Payment must be made at time of booking. Call 4974 5100.

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Songs In The Key Of Life, The Stevie Wonder Songbook @ Lizottes

Renowned producers of the ‘Whole Lotta Love ‘ Led Zeppelin and ‘The Great Gig In The Sky’ Pink Floyd concerts, CCEntertainment, are set to reprise the vibrant and life-affirming catalogue of the prodigious Stevie Wonder. The evening will feature special guest vocalists Lionel Cole (Mariah Carey), Natasha Stuart (Tina Arena), Michael Duchesne (The Voice) and Christian Hemara (The Venusians) performing ‘Living For The City’, ‘Master Blaster’, ‘Don’t You Worry About A Thing’, ‘Higher Ground’, ‘All I Do’, ‘Lately’, ‘Sir Duke’, ‘I Wish’ and many more with an exceptional 9 piece band under the creative direction of Joseph Calderazzo. Highly recommended - book early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets: Lizottes

Saturday 22nd March

The Hunter Record Fair @ Croatian Wickham Sports Club

The hunters largest record fair is taking place in Wickham! Get in early and browse through records, CD’s, DVD’s, and Collectables. With over 20 stall holders from across the country, there is bound to be lots of goodies.

Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: $5 before 9am, $2 after

The Fixators @ The Small Ballroom

Sydney based Indie Rock outfit The Fixators have just released their brand new EP ‘Colourblind’, and are setting their sights to the East Coast for a run of tour dates.

Lead single ‘Colourblind’ displays The Fixators unique blend of Indie, Alternative and Stadium Rock, which is perfectly sculpted and delivered by the young quartet.

With 2013 seeing the release of their debut EP ‘Wide Awake’, which received rotation on stations across Australia, as well as winning the Fitz Band Competition, The Fixators have watched as their following has strengthened from playing countless live shows, and delivering a high-energy live performance.

After recording ‘Colourblind’ at Jungle Studios (The Jezebels, Boy & Bear, Dune Rats), and capturing the hearts and minds of audiences throughout Sydney and surrounding areas, The Fixators have decided to pack up the tour van in order to broaden their already solid fan base.

The Fixators will be bring their renowned live show to stages all across the East Coast of Australia, to celebrate the release of ‘Colourblind’, which is available now on iTunes

Tickets: Kingdom Sounds

Doors: 9:00PM

Holly Who @ The Cambridge Hotel

Holly Who return the Cambridge complete with 7 piece band to launch it’s long-awaited EP. Holly Who will be supported by local favourite Daniel March.

Tickets: $10 at door

Doors: 8:30pm

The Crowdies Show @ Lizottes

For over 20 years Crowded House have been responsible for some of the most memorable songs and live performances of the 20th Century. The songs of Crowded House & Split Enz were the soundtrack to the 80’s & 90’s for many Australians and for millions of people the world over. ‘You know more Crowded House songs than you think’… Performing timeless hits like ‘Weather With You’, ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, ‘Distant Sun’, ‘Fall At Your Feet’, ‘It’s Only Natural’, ‘Four Seasons In One Day’, ‘Locked Out’, ‘Something So Strong’, ‘Bette r Be Home Soon’ - plus choice tracks from all the studio albums and Split Enz classics like ‘I See Red’ and ‘Message To My Girl’ .

Tickets: Lizottes

The Sweet @ Civic Theatre

Sweet achieved their first hit Funny Funny in 1971 with their famous line-up of lead vocalist Brian Connolly, bass player Steve Priest, guitarist Andy Scott, and drummer Mick Tucker. The band achieved notable success in the UK charts, with thirteen Top 20 hits during the 1970s alone, with Block Buster! (1973) topping the chart, followed by three consecutive number two hits in Hell Raiser (1973), The Ballroom Blitz (1973) and Teenage Rampage (1974). They then turned to a more Hard Rock style with their mid-career singles like 1974’s Turn It Down. Their first self-written and produced single Fox on the Run (1975) also reached number two on the UK charts. The Sweet had their last Top 10 hit in 1978 withLove Is Like Oxygen.

Tickets: Ticketek 

Doors: 7:30PM

James Morrison @ Wests New Lambton

Come and see James Morrison and his Band at Wests Leagues Club and benefit the Wallsend Community Centre.

Tickets: Wallsend Community Centre 

Doors: 7:30pm

Sunday 23rd March

Karise Eden @ Lizottes

Karise Eden’s voice can move a nation! In 2012 she won The Voice with her uniquely soulful renditions of classic songs. She broke records for the most number of singles in the national sales chart and she had the biggest selling album nationally for an Australian artist that year. This summer, Karise Eden steps out of a fresh spell of songwriting to perform songs from her double platinum album My Journey as well as to road test new material in small and intimate venues. This will be a rare run of shows with stripped back, minimal production by arguably Australia’s most promising female vocalist.

Tickets: Lizottes

Monday 24th March

We have lots of weekly Monday night option for you, check out our guide

Tuesday 25th March

Life Drawing The Nude @ Newcastle Art Gallery

In this three-part introductory series of casual drawing classes, Audience Programs Officer Jade Hull will demonstrate life drawing techniques and help participants extend their skills.

$20 per class, $50 for all three classes.

Includes wine, light finger food, and all drawing materials

Time: 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Tickets: Call 4974 5100 to book

Wednesday 26th March

Lior @ Lizottes

It has been a very busy and productive 2013 for renowned singer songwriter Lior. In between extensive international touring and writing and composing “Compassion”, his collaborative work with close friend Nigel Westlake, Lior has also found time to write and record his fourth studio album “Scattered Reflections”. The album is due for release in March 2014 and in celebration of the new album, Lior is heading out on the road for a national run of dates. He’ll naturally be paying a selection of new songs from the album alongside some of his much loved favourites.

Tickets: Lizottes 

Wild Rides At Full Throttle @ The Civic Theatre

Presented by The Regional Institute of Performing Arts (Hunter TAFE)

Two exciting plays by Australia’s most daring playwrights

The Call by Patricia Cornelius

Funny, disturbing and bittersweet, The Call brilliantly explores a young man’s escape from a suburban hell. Gary is stuck in a cycle of stealing cars, dull, dirty and dangerous jobs, unfulfilling relationships and crazy mates who bring out the worst in him. But Gary yearns for something that can help him make sense of his life and give it meaning. He hears the call. One that roars inside him; a call to arms, a call to prayer, the call of adventure.

The Kid by Michael Gow

In blazing heat, a stolen car hurtles towards Sydney. Inside are three unstable teenagers from the country – Snake, Aspro and Dean. The Kid focuses on the character of Dean who takes advantage of everyone as events in his life spiral out of control. The teenagers are joined by Donald, an opera fanatic, who is desperate for a change of scene. And as bush fires rage around the city, they meet Desiree, a young girl from downstairs who indulges in catastrophic predictions. Sparks fly. Tensions escalate. Twilight approaches.

There are also tickets available for Thursday the 27th and Friday 28th

Tickets: Ticketek

Doors: 7:30PM